HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy here on Friday issued orders for regularisation of one lakh unauthorised agriculture pumpset connections and proposed two spells for seven-hour power supply to the farm sector in view of the power shortage. Owners of these pumpsets have been drawing power unauthorisedly after applying for connections and paying Rs. 6,000 each as stipulated. However, the distribution companies did not release the services insisting on installation of frictionless foot-valves, capacitors etc.

Dr. Reddy ordered regularisation based on representations by farmers' bodies and political parties that rabi cultivation had reached its peak and that these pumps were already fitted with capacitors and valves.

Review meeting

At a review meeting on the power situation, the Chief Minister noted that the area under rabi paddy had suddenly gone up from eight lakh acres to 12 lakh acres with farmers seeking to take advantage of the improved groundwater level. As a result, the power needs during the kharif and rabi seasons had increased by 1,000 mu higher than what was originally anticipated. The overall demand in the State on Friday touched 160 mu compared to 128 mu this day last year.

Dr. Reddy, therefore, took the view that seven-hour uninterrupted supply might not be possible. He proposed "alternate week" non-stop supply for seven hours by dividing agricultural connections in an area into two groups. One area would get seven hours' continuous supply and the other in two spells -- four hours during day and three at night. The arrangement would be rotated every week. Power Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir told reporters later that this arrangement could be revised for the convenience of farmers if they indicate their choice at the rythu sadassus being organised all over the State from February 6 to 12.

The meeting, attended by CMDs of Genco and Transco -- Ajay Jain and Rachel Chatterjee -- resolved that capacitors and valves should be sold in villages and that distribution company officials must assist farmers in installing them.

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